SGOs are long-term academic goals for groups of students set by teachers in consultation with their supervisors. For a complete overview visit the SGO homepage.

Median Student Growth Percentiles (mSGP)

Qualifying educators (of 4th-8th grade Language Arts and 4th-7th grade Math assessed by the state test) are assigned the median SGP (mSGP) score of all of qualifying students based on information submitted by the district. For a complete overview, visit the mSGP homepage.

Scoring Teacher Evaluation

Teacher evaluation scores result from the combination of teacher practice ratings and student achievement measures. Student achievement is measured by SGOs for all teachers in addition to median SGPs (mSGPs) for qualifying teachers of 4th-8th-grade Language Arts and 4th-7th-grade Math. Teachers receive a 1-4 score for each component that is multiplied by the state-determined weighting assigned to it. For more information, please visit the Evaluation Scoring page.

Professional Development

AchieveNJ provides substantially more information about a teacher's performance than was typically available before. By reflecting on data from multiple observations and student achievement measures, educators can focus professional learning goals to improve instruction, as explained below.

Observations: High quality State-approved teacher practice instruments used during observations provide a basis for deep discussion about teaching. During post-observation conferences, supervisors can provide more tailored feedback to help identify areas to develop throughout the year. These goals and plans can then be incorporated in each educator's Professional Development Plan (PDP).

Student Growth Objectives (SGOs): Developing and tracking SGOs provides a structured way to think about academic standards, assessing what students know and can do, and adjusting instruction to help students meet short and long term learning goals. Working alone, with a supervisor, and/or in PLCs, educators can continually improve throughout the year by reflecting on the SGO process. At the end of the year, data from SGOs and observations can inform PDP goals for the following year.

Student Growth Percentiles (SGPs): By examining SGP results, teachers and their supervisors can examine patterns of students' academic growth. These patterns can, in addition to the other measures of teacher effectiveness, inform professional learning goals.

For more information on the connection between AchieveNJ and professional development click here.

Evaluation Options for Highly Effective Teachers

The Department has published guidance regarding evaluation options for tenured teachers who have been rated Highly Effective on their most recent summative evaluations.

The Reflective Practice Protocol provides an overview of the parameters and components related to one such option, as well as approaches related to each component.

There are also options that are specific to Highly Effective teachers who are: